McIntosh C2500 Owners Manual
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: 607-723-3512 www.mcintoshlabs.com
C2500
Tube Preamplifier
Owner’s Manual
The lightning ash with arrowhead, within an equilateral
triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of
uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s en-
closure that may be of sufcient magnitude to constitute
a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.
WARNING - TO REDUCE RISK
OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL
SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE.
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS!
PLEASE READ THEM BEFORE
OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT.
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install
in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appa-
ratus (including ampliers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug
has two blades with one wider than the other.
A grounding type plug has two blades and a
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS
INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
third grounding prong. The wide blade or the
third prong are provided for your safety. If
the provided plug does not t into your outlet,
consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on
or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit
from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specied by
the manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket,
or table specied by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use
caution when moving the cart/
apparatus combination to avoid
injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms
or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualied service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus
has been damaged in any way, such as power-
To prevent the risk of electric
shock, do not remove cover or
back. No user-serviceable parts
inside.
supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has
been spilled or objects have fallen into the
apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or
has been dropped.
15. Do not expose this equipment to dripping or
splashing and ensure that no objects lled
with liquids, such as vases, are placed on the
equipment.
16. To completely disconnect this equipment from
the a.c. mains, disconnect the power supply
cord plug from the a.c. receptacle.
17. The mains plug of the power supply cord shall
remain readily operable.
18. Do not expose batteries to excessive heat such
as sunshine, re or the like.
19. Connect mains power supply cord only to a
mains socket outlet with a protective earthing
connection.
2
Thank You
Your decision to own this McIntosh C2500 Tube Preamplifier ranks you at the very top among discriminating music listeners. You now have the best. The
McIntosh dedication to precision performance assures
many years of musical enjoyment.
Please take a short time to read the information in
this manual. We want you to be as familiar as possible with all the features and functions of your new
McIntosh.
Please Take A Moment
The serial number, purchase date and McIntosh Dealer
name are important to you for possible insurance
claim or future service. The spaces below have been
provided for you to record that information:
Serial Number:
Purchase Date: _______________________________
Dealer Name: ________________________________
_______________________________
Technical Assistance
If at any time you have questions about your McIntosh
product, contact your McIntosh Dealer who is familiar
with your McIntosh equipment and any other brands
that may be part of your system. If you or your Dealer
wish additional help concerning a suspected problem,
you can receive technical assistance for all McIntosh
products at:
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: 607-723-3512
Fax: 607-724-0549
Customer Service
If it is determined that your McIntosh product is in
need of repair, you can return it to your Dealer. You
can also return it to the McIntosh Laboratory Service
Department. For assistance on factory repair return
procedure, contact the McIntosh Service Department
at:
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: 607-723-3515
Fax: 607-723-1917
Table of Contents
Safety Instructions ..................................................... 2
Thank You and Please Take a Moment ...................... 3
Technical Assistance and Customer Service
Table of Contents
General Information
Connector and Cable Information
Introduction ................................................................ 5
Performance Features
Dimensions
Installation ................................................................. 7
Connections:
Rear Panel Connections
(Separate Sheet)
Connecting Components .............................................9
Connection Diagrams
(Separate Sheets) ..................Mc1A, Mc1B and Mc2A
Remote Control:
Remote Control Push-buttons ................................... 10
How to use the Remote Control .................................11
Copyright 2013 © by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
....................................................... 3
.................................................. 4
............................. 4
................................................ 5
................................................................ 6
..............................................8
..................................................Mc2B
............. 3
Front Panel:
Front Panel Displays, Controls, Push-buttons
and Jack
Setup:
How to Operate the Setup Mode .............................. 13
Default Settings......................................................... 13
Firmware Version ...................................................... 14
Reassign Source Inputs ............................................. 14
Source Input Renaming ............................................ 15
Input Level Adjustment ............................................ 16
Power Mode .............................................................. 16
Display Brightness .................................................... 17
Tube Lights ............................................................... 17
Passthru ..................................................................... 17
Power Control Triggers 1 and 2 ................................ 18
Comm Port Baud Rate .............................................. 19
Remote Control Codes .............................................. 19
Operation:
How to Operate the C2500 ..................................20-26
Trim Functions .....................................................20-24
Processor Loop ......................................................... 24
Tone Bypass .............................................................. 24
Output Meters ........................................................... 25
Passthru ..................................................................... 25
Optical and Coaxial Digital Inputs ...........................25
USB Input Operation with a Computer .................... 25
Reset of Microprocessors ..........................................26
Resetting the C2500 to default settings ....................26
Additional Information:
Photos ................................................................... 27-28
Specifications .......................................................29-30
Packing Instruction ................................................... 31
..................................................................... 12
3
General Information
1. The C2500 uses Vacuum Tubes for amplifying the
audio signal. The C2500 is designed to have only
qualified Service Personnel perform any part(s)
replacement including all the vacuum tubes.
2. For additional connection information, refer to the
owner’s manual(s) for any component(s) connected
to the C2500 Tube Preamplifier.
3. The Main AC Power going to the C2500 and any
other McIntosh Component(s) should not be applied
until all the system components are connected
together. Failure to do so could result in malfunctioning of some or all of the system’s normal operations. When the C2500 and other McIntosh Components are in their Standby Power Off Mode, the
Microprocessor’s Circuitry inside each component
is active and communication is occurring between
them.
4. The C2500 includes an Auto Off Power Save
Feature and the default setting is enabled. For
additional information including how to disable it,
refer to page 16.
5. Balanced and Unbalanced Inputs and Outputs can
be mixed. For example, you may connect signal
sources to Unbalanced Inputs and send signals
from the Balanced Outputs. You can also use Balanced and Unbalanced Outputs simultaneously,
connected to different Power Amplifiers.
6. The IR Input, with a 1/8 inch mini phone jack, is
configured for non-McIntosh IR sensors such as
a Xantech Model HL85BK Kit. Use a Connection
Block such as a Xantech Model ZC21 when two
or more IR sensors need to be connected to the
C2500. When an external sensor is connected to
the C2500 the Front Panel sensor is disabled to
avoid possible interaction.
7. The C2500 internal Digital to Analog Converter
Circuitry is designed to decode 2-channel PCM
General Information and Connector Information
(Pulse Code Modulation) Digital Signal present
at the Coaxial and Optical Digital Audio Inputs.
Other Digital Audio Signal Format Types will
cause the Audio Outputs of the C2500 to be muted
and the Front Panel Information Display will indicate an error message.
8. The Remote Control Supplied with the C2500
Preamplifier is capable of operating other components. For additional information go to www.
mcintoshlabs.com.
9. When discarding the unit, comply with local rules
or regulations. Batteries should never be
thrown away or incinerated but disposed
of in accordance with the local regulations concerning battery disposal.
10. For additional information on the C2500
and other McIntosh Products please visit the McIntosh Web Site at www.mcintoshlabs.com.
Connector and Cable Information
XLR Connectors
Below is the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced
Input and Output Connectors on the C2500. Refer to
the diagrams for connections:
PIN 1: Shield/Ground
PIN 2: + Output
PIN 3: - Output
PIN 2 PIN 1
PIN 3
PIN 1
Power Control and Trigger Connectors
The C2500 Power Control Out, Trigger and Pass-Thru
Output Jacks send Power On/Off Signals (+12 volt/0
PIN 3
PIN 2
volt) when connected to other
McIntosh Components. An
additional connection is for
controlling the illumination
of the Power Output Meters
on McIntosh Power Amplifiers. A 3.5mm stereo mini
phone plug is used for con-
Main, Output 1&2,
Trig 1&2
and Pass-Thru
Power
Control
Meter
Illumination
Control
Ground
nection to the Power Control,
Trigger and Pass-Thru Outputs on the C2500.
Data Port Connectors
The C2500 Data Out Ports send Remote Control Signals to Source Components. A
3.5mm stereo mini phone plug is
used for connection.
Data
Signal
N/C
Data
Ground
RS232 DB9 Connector Pin Layout
1. N/C 6. N/C
2. Data Out (TXD) 7. N/C
3. Data In (RXD) 8. N/C
4. N/C 9. N/C
5. Gnd.
4
Introduction
The McIntosh C2500 Tube Preamplifier is one of the
finest Preamplifiers ever created with connections for
both analog and digital sources. The C2500 Outputs
have the ability to drive multiple Power Amplifiers.
The C2500 reproduction is sonically transparent and
absolutely accurate. The McIntosh Sound is “The
Sound of the Music Itself.”
Performance Features
• Electromagnetic Input Switching with Level Trim
Adjustment
Digital Logic integrated circuits drive Electromagnetic Switches on all Inputs and operating functions
for reliable, noiseless, distortion free switching. All
eight Inputs on the C2500 can be matched in level, so
there are no abrupt changes in volume levels between
the different Inputs.
• Moving Coil and Moving Magnet Phono Inputs
The C2500 contains two different precision Phono
Preamplifier Circuits. One for low output Moving Coil
Phono Cartridges with selectable resistance loading,
the other is for Moving Magnet Cartridges with selectable capacitive loading. Both circuits use the latest
designs to provide the lowest possible noise and distortion. The RIAA Correction Equalization Circuitry
utilizes close tolerance resistors and capacitors for an
extremely flat frequency response.
• Digital Audio Inputs
The C2500 has Coaxial, Optical and USB Digital Inputs to Decode PCM Signals from an external source.
The C2500 Up Samples the Digital Signal to 192kHz
with 32Bit resolution before the Digital to Analog
process begins.
• Balanced Inputs
The Balanced Inputs allow the connection of a source
component using long cable lengths without a loss in
sound quality.
• Precision Tracking Volume Control
Volume levels are controlled by a new Multi-Stage
Precision Digitally Controlled Attenuator System with
superb tracking accuracy.
• Variable Rate Volume and Balance Controls
The C2500 Tube Preamplifier’s Volume and Balance
Control Circuitry provides an ideal rate of change with
control rotation.
• Electronic Tone Controls with Bypass
Electronic Bass and Treble Circuitry allow volume
level adjustments for low and high frequencies in
precise one Decibel Steps. The C2500 remembers the
Tone Control Circuitry Bypass Option for each input.
• Alphanumeric Fluorescent Display
The Front Panel Information Display indicates the
Source Selection, Volume/Balance Levels and Setup
Mode Selections. The display intensity is adjustable.
• Processor Loop
A Processor Loop is provided for connection of an
external analog signal processor. The Processor Loop
can be switched in or out of the signal path of any assigned Input.
• Pass-Thru Mode
The Automatic Pass-Thru Mode allows the C2500
to become part of a Multichannel Sound System for
DVD-Audio, SACD and Home Theater Movies.
Introduction and Performance Features
• Remote Control with External Sensor Input
The Remote Control provides control of the C2500
operating functions and McIntosh Source Components
connected to it. Enjoy your McIntosh System from
another room in your home by connecting an external
sensor.
• Power Control Output and Trigger Assignment
A Power Control connection for convenient Turn-On
of McIntosh Power Amplifiers, Source Components
and Accessories is included. The Power Control Trigger Ouputs may be assigned to activate when a given
Input is selected.
• Special Power Supply
Fully regulated Power Supplies and a special R-Core
Power Transformer ensure stable noise free operation
even though the power line varies.
• Fiber Optic Solid State Front Panel Illumination
The even Illumination of the Front Panel is accomplished by the combination of custom designed Fiber
Optic Light Diffusers and extra long life Light Emit-
ting Diodes (LEDs).
• Glass Front Panel and Super Mirror Chassis
Finish
The famous McIntosh Illuminated Glass Front Panel
and the Stainless Steel Chassis with Super Mirror
Finish ensures the pristine beauty of the C2500 will be
retained for many years.
5
Dimensions
The following dimensions can assist in determining
the best location for your C2500. There is additional
information on the next page pertaining to installing
the C2500 into cabinets.
Front View of the C2500
17-1/2"
44.5cm
Dimensions
Rear View of the C2500
17-1/8"
43.5cm
7-1/8"
18.1cm
6-3/8"
16.2cm
7-5/8"
19.4cm
13/16"
2.1cm
1-15/16"
4.9cm
Side View of the C2500
16-1/2"
41.9cm
14-1/2"
36.8cm
10-9/16"
26.8cm
3/16"
0.5cm
5.1cm
6-9/16"
16.7cm
2"
13 -1/4"
33.7cm
6
Installation
Installation
The C2500 can be placed upright on a table or shelf,
standing on its four feet. It also can be custom installed in a piece of furniture or cabinet of your
choice. The four feet may be removed from the bottom
of the C2500 when it is custom installed as outlined
below. The four feet together with the mounting
screws should be retained for possible future use if the
C2500 is removed from the custom installation and
used free standing. The required panel cutout, ventilation cutout and unit dimensions are shown.
Always provide adequate ventilation for your
C2500. Cool operation ensures the longest possible
operating life for any electronic instrument. Do not
install the C2500 directly above a heat generating
component such as a high powered amplifier. If all
the components are installed in a single cabinet, a
quiet running ventilation fan can be a definite asset in
maintaining all the system components at the coolest
possible operating temperature.
A custom cabinet installation should provide the
following minimum spacing dimensions for cool
operation.
Allow at least 6 inches (15.2cm) above the top, 2
inches (5.1cm) below the bottom and 1 inch (2.5cm)
on each side of the Preamplifier, so that airflow is not
obstructed. Allow 20 inches (50.8cm) depth behind the
front panel. Allow 1-7/16 inch (3.7cm) in front of the
mounting panel for knob clearance. Be sure to cut out
a ventilation hole in the mounting shelf according to
the dimensions in the drawing.
C2500 Front Panel
Custom Cabinet Cutout
C2500 Side View
in Custom Cabinet
C2500 Bottom View
in Custom Cabinet
Cabinet
Front
Panel
Opening
for Ventilation
Support
Shelf
17-3/16"
43.66cm
6"
15.2cm
Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting
Cutout Opening for Ventilation
2-1/4"
5.72cm
9-1/8"
23.18cm
Cutout
Opening
Ventilation
15"
38.10cm
for
6-5/8"
16.84cm
Chassis
Spacers
15"
38.10cm
Note: Center the cutout Horizontally
on the unit. For purposes of
clarity, the above illustration
is not drawn to scale.
1-1/16"
2.70cm
12-5/16"
31.27cm
7
Rear Panel Connections
The identification of Rear Panel Connections for the
C2500 Tube Preamplifier is located on a separate
folded sheet contained in the Owner’s Manual Packet.
Refer to separate sheet “Mc2B” for the Rear Panel
Connections.
Rear Panel Connections
C2500 Tube Preamplifer Rear Panel
8
Connecting Components
The C2500 has the ability to automatically switch
power On/Off to Source Components via the Power
Control connections. The Data Port Connections allow
for the remote operation of basic functions using the
C2500 Remote Control. With an external sensor connected to the C2500, remote control operation of the
system is possible from another room and/or when the
C2500 is located in a cabinet with the doors closed.
The connection instructions below, together with
the C2500 Input/Output/Control Connection Diagrams
located on the separate folded sheets “Mc1A/1B and
Mc2A”, are an example of a typical audio system.
Your system may vary from this, however the actual
components would be connected in a similar manner.
For additional information refer to “Connector and
Cable Information” on page 4.
Note: Source components may be connected to the
C2500 Balanced Inputs or Digital Inputs instead
of Unbalanced Inputs. Refer to Setup “Reassigning Inputs” to activate them on page 14.
Power Control Connections:
1. Connect a Control Cable from the C2500 POWER
CONTROL MAIN Jack to the Power Control In
on the Turntable.
2. Connect a Control Cable from the Turntable
Power Control Out Jack to the SACD/CD Player
Power Control In Jack.
3. Connect a Control Cable from the SACD/CD
Player Power Control Out Jack to the Tuner Power
Control In Jack.
4. Connect a Control Cable from the C2500 POWER
CONTROL OUTPUT 1 Jack to the Power Amplifier Power Control In Jack.
Note: If two Power Amplifiers are used, connect the
Power Control Output of the first Amplifier to
the Power Control Input on the second Amplifier.
5. Optionally connect a Control Cable from the
C2500 POWER CONTROL OUTPUT 2 Jack to
the Power Amplifier (Secondary Room) Power
Control In Jack.
6. Connect any additional Components in a similar
manner, as outlined in steps 1 thru 4.
Data Control Connections:
7. Connect a Control Cable from the C2500 TUNER
DATA PORTS Jack to the TUNER Data In Jack.
8. Connect a Control Cable from the C2500 CD
DATA PORT Jack to the SACD/CD Player Data In
Jack.
9. Connect any additional McIntosh Components in a
similar manner, as outlined in steps 7 thru 8.
Sensor Connection:
10. Connect a Control Cable from the C2500 IR Input
Connector to the external Sensor.
Audio Connections:
11. Connect an Audio Cable from the C2500 TUNER
INPUT Jacks to the Tuner (Fixed) Output Jacks.
12. Connect an Audio Cable from the C2500 CD IN-
PUT Jacks to the SACD/CD Player (Fixed) Output
Jacks.
13. Connect the Audio Cables coming from the Turntable to the C2500 MC PHONO INPUT Jacks.
Note: If the Turntable has a Moving Magnet Car-
tridge connect the audio cables to the C2500
MM PHONO INPUT instead of the MC Input.
14. Connect Balanced Cables from the C2500 BALanced OUTPUT 1 connectors to the Power Ampli-
fiers Balanced (Left and Right) Inputs.
15. Optionally Connect an Audio Cable from the
C2500 BALanced OUTPUT 2 connectors to the
Power Amplifier (Secondary) Inputs.
16. Connect any additional McIntosh Components in a
similar manner, as outlined in steps 11 thru 14.
Connecting Components
Optional “PassThru” Connections:
17. Connect Balanced Cables from the A/V Control
Center Front Left and Right Channel Balanced
Output connectors to the BALanced 2 Input connectors.
Note: Refer to Setup “PassThru” on page 17 to activate
the BALanced 2 Input.
18. Connect a Control Cable from the C2500
PASSTHRU to A/V Control Center Zone ZA
Power Control Output.
Optional USB Connection:
19. Connect a USB cable with (type A to type B)
connectors from the C2500 USB D/A Input to an
available USB connector.
Ground Connections:
20. Connect the Ground Cable coming from the Turntable to the C2500 GND Binding Post.
AC Power Cords Connections:
21. Connect the C2500 and any remaining components’ AC Power Cords to a live AC outlet as
illustrated.
9
Remote Control Push-Buttons
LED illuminates during the time a
remote command is sent to the C2500
Switches the Trigger 1 and/or 2
Power Control Jack(s) On/Off, refer
to “Setup, Power Control TRIG 1
and TRIG 2” on page 18 for additional information
Selects a Disc Player, Music Server
or Recorder Function. Seek Stations Up or Down the AM/FM Dial.
Select AM/FM Station Presets and
performs various functions on a
variety of McIntosh Components
Displays On Screen Functions on the
McIntosh Music Server and a variety
of other McIntosh Components
Adjusts the volume level up or down
Activates the TRIM
Stereo/Mono Mode
Mutes the audio
Selects AM Tuner Operating
Functions and Disc Selection on
certain McIntosh Disc Players
Selects Functions as a “shift” key
when used with the AM or FM
push-buttons to select Output 1
or 2
Press to Power the C2500 ON
Press to Power the C2500 OFF
Press to change broadcast bands on
an external McIntosh Tuner connected. Select certain functions on a
variety of McIntosh Components
Selects On Screen Functions on a
variety of McIntosh Components
Press TRIM and then the LEVEL
Push-buttons to select and adjust
various functions
Selects FM Tuner Operating Functions and Track Selection on certain
McIntosh CD Players
Use to select tuner presets, disc
tracks or any numbered operation
Scrolls through the
available C2500 Inputs
10
Scrolls through the
available C2500 Inputs
Selects one of the eight
available Audio Sources
Note: Push-buttons whose function is not identified above are for use with other McIntosh Products.
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